Algeria election to take place amid ‘steady erosion of human rights’
GuardianAUG 22 2024
Algeria: Pres. Tebboune Wins Second Term
Above: President of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune arrives at Borgo Egnazia on day two of the 50th G7 summit, on June 14, 2024 in Fasano, Italy. Image copyright: Antonio Masiello/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Algeria's incumbent Pres. Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been re-elected to a second term in office, winning 95% of the votes polled on Saturday.
According to the country's electoral commission, Tebboune's main rivals, Abdelaali Hassani Cherif and Youcef Aouchiche, secured 3% and 2% of the votes, respectively.
Tebboune, 78, was first elected president in 2019. This year, he had pledged to create 450K new jobs and to increase social assistance if voted back to power.
The Spin
Narrative A
Tebboune's re-election promises stability for Algeria, allowing the government to address deeper issues. His increased popular support, bolstered by expanded social spending from oil and gas revenues, suggests a mandate for continuity. The backing of major political parties, unions, and the security apparatus ensures a strong foundation for governance. Tebboune's experience and established relationships within the system position him to navigate Algeria's complex political landscape and initiate much-needed reforms.
Narrative B
Algerian democracy has become largely performative, with Tebboune's re-election revealing the system's true nature. The election, hastily moved to September, was a sham as his victory was guaranteed by military backing. Opposition candidates are little more than window dressing in a political landscape marked by repression, economic stagnation, and mass disillusionment. As Algerians increasingly turn away from a system that betrays them, the dream of genuine democracy remains distant.
Metaculus Prediction
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